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- As studied by psychologists, humility is a suite of intrapersonal (having to do with our egos) and interpersonal (how we relate to others) characteristics and capacities. An influential list comes from June Tangney. Humility involves the following:
• Possessing an accurate assessment of yourself
• A willingness to acknowledge your mistakes and limitations
• An openness to the viewpoints and ideas of others
• An ability to keep your accomplishments in perspective
• Low self-focus
• Appreciating the value other people
- In light of the relational benefits of humility, researchers have looked at what is called “cultural humility” in how we can engage cultural difference. Facets of cultural humility include:
• Legitimate interest in and curiosity about cultural others
• Teachable, open, and willing learn from cultural others
• Empathy and ability for perspective-taking (seeing the world through the eyes of cultural others)
• Critical self-awareness about your cultural perspectives and biases
• Kindness and generosity toward cultural others
• Valuing the intrinsic dignity and worth of cultural others